AJ Barner TE Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
AJ Barner TE Michigan
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Inline Multi-Role TE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.84 seconds (34%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.6 DOB: 05/03/2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Inline Multi-Role TE | |
| Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2024 | |
| 40 time: 4.84 seconds (34%*) | |
| Age: 22.6 DOB: 05/03/2002 | |
| Bowl Invite: Senior Bowl | |
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| Overall Rating: | 80.6 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 94.8 | |
| Hands: |
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70% |
| Short Receiving: |
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73% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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78% |
| Deep Threat: |
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71% |
| Blocking: |
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64% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#160
Position rank:
#9
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| College Games: 40 College Snaps: 1541 | ||
ESPN RATING: 73/100
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247 RATING: 87/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.5 (90%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Josh Whyle - Cincinnati |
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95% |
| Cole Turner - Nevada |
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94% |
| Cade Otton - Washington |
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86% |
Drafted: ROUND: 4 - Pick Number: 121 (SEA)
Draft Profile: Bio
AJ Barner's path to the 2024 NFL Draft is marked by a journey from quarterback at Aurora High School to a promising tight end prospect at Michigan. After switching positions in high school due to a growth spurt and finding his niche on defense and offense, Barner earned All-Conference and All-Area honors as a senior. His high school success led him to Indiana, and eventually, Michigan, where he refined his skills as a TE2, primarily excelling in blocking roles. In his final college season, Barner recorded 22 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to contribute in the passing game. His accolades include an All-Big Ten honorable mention and a semifinalist position for the Mackey Award in 2023.Barner's background features not only a diverse athletic journey but also a commitment to academic excellence, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. From Aurora, Ohio, to the collegiate fields of Indiana and Michigan, Barner's growth spurt from a 5-foot-8 freshman to a sought-after tight end prospect illustrates his adaptability and dedication.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Boasts a robust frame ideal for the tight end position, capable of effectively playing in-line and excelling in run-blocking scenarios.
- Exhibits solid speed and long strides, enhancing his ability to create separation and cover ground efficiently.
- Demonstrates a superior ability to contest and win aerial battles, leveraging his height and leaping capability.
- Employs effective play strength in both receiving and blocking, showcasing versatility in his gameplay.
- Commended for his run-blocking proficiency, utilizing a reliable technique and maintaining consistency across various blocking situations.
- Recognized for his hard-hitting blocks and ability to anchor down in pass protection, contributing positively to the offensive line's performance.
- Displays commendable timing and athleticism, particularly in executing combo blocks and sealing off defenders.
- Possesses a keen awareness against zone defenses, effectively finding and exploiting soft spots in coverage.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks elite explosiveness and agility, which slightly limits his threat level as a dynamic playmaker.
- As a route-runner, requires refinement, particularly in routes demanding sharp cuts and quick direction changes.
- Needs to enhance his blocking forcefulness and leg drive to become a more dominant presence in the run game.
- Shows inconsistency in hand placement and sustaining blocks, areas ripe for improvement with professional coaching.
- While showing potential as a pass-catcher, has yet to fully exploit his receiving capabilities, evidenced by his average production in contested situations.
Scouting Report: Summary
AJ Barner emerges from the 2024 NFL Draft pool as a solid TE2 option with significant upside as both a pass catcher and blocker. His robust frame and reliable technique in run-blocking situations set him apart. Barner's proficiency in handling defensive linemen and linebackers, coupled with his ability to identify and exploit soft spots in zone coverage, underscore his readiness for the professional level. Yet, his development as a route-runner and the need to enhance his explosive power off the line are areas that could put teams off.On the downside, Barner's game tape reveals a tight end who, while dependable, lacks the explosive athleticism and sharp route-running prowess seen in top-tier prospects. His college production, primarily as a blocker, leaves questions about his ceiling as a pass-catcher in the NFL. Teams may view him as a project in the passing game, needing targeted coaching to unlock his full potential as a receiver. Despite these concerns, his work ethic, leadership as a team captain, and standout special teams play offer immediate value, pointing to a player willing to grind and improve.
AJ Barner percentiles vs other Tight Ends (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate AJ Barner (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
147.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
12.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.